If you are looking to find the best RAM for your system, you may have come across the terms such as DDR3 and DDR4 RAM. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between DDR3 and DDR4 RAM? Let’s explore the best options that you find helpful in picking the right RAM.
What is DDR3 RAM?
The DDR3 RAM is the Double Date Rate 3 RAM. It is one of the most popular SDRAM options that is utilized for system memory. The DDR3 RAM is available in both SO-DIMM and DIMM form factors. The DDR3 RAM has been one of the dominating options for the best hardware market that you would find. In fact, the DDR3 RAM has been a powerful option for over a decade now. The DDR3 RAM has been observed to be faster than the previous generation of DDR2 RAM.
The DDR3 RAM consumes 30% less power than the DDR2 RAM and is twice as faster as DDR2 RAM. The RAM offers a data transfer rate of 800 to 1600 MT/s. The RAM can perform the auto-refresh and self-refresh for refreshing content.
Advantages of DDR3 RAM
Some of the advantages offered by DDR3 RAM can include:
- It provides you with a better option with respect to the DDR2
- The high bandwidth facility
- Provides you with an extremely high degree of performance at the low voltage.
- It offers you cooler operating temperatures
- Lesser CAS latency
What is DDR4 RAM?
DDR4 stands for Double Data Rate Fourth generation. It is a memory standard that is designed to provide you better, faster, and more reliable experience in memory management. The performance better than DDR3 can provide you with a more unique experience.
The DDR4 RAM provides you with a decreased voltage and increased transfer rate. High-speed performance coupled with the optimum efficiency makes it a powerful choice. It does consume very little power and provides a very progressive performance. The RAM has been known for providing you with a 2133 to 3200 MT/s transfer rate. The RAM version is also compatible with the support for self-refresh for refreshing content.
Advantages of DDR4 RAM
A few advantages offered by the DDR4 RAM can include:
- A better bandwidth and speed when compared to the DDR3 RAM
- They have been known to be highly flexible and expandable
- It can store more signal layers
- Higher chip density than the DDR3 RAM version
- It can work with the powerful processors.
Prime Features of DDR3 RAM
Following are a few of the important factors and features that the DDR3 RAM can offer you:
- Lower signaling standard Reduced power
- Dynamic ODT for improved write signaling
- Read/Write Levelling
- Fly-by architecture
- DIMM address mirroring
- Improved device pinout
A Few Features Offered By The DDR4 RAM
Some of the features offered by the DDR4 RAM can be summed up as:
- Lower signaling standard
- Reduced power x8 Prefetch
- Fly-by architecture
- Data transfer rate 2133 to 3200 MT/s
- DIMM address mirroring
- Dynamic ODT for improved write signaling
Difference Between DDR3 and DDR4 RAM
Having checked out the features and advantages offered by the DDR3 and DDR4 RAM, let us check out how do they differ from each other.
| Features | DDR3 RAM | DDR4 RAM |
| Full form of the abbreviation | Double Data Rate Generation 3 | Double Data Rate Generation 4 |
| Release date | 2007 | 2014 |
| Price | Cheaper than DDR4 | Expensive than DDR3 |
| Power consumption | Less power consumption, but higher than DDR4 | Very less power consumption |
| Maximum memory capacity | 16 GB | No capacity limit |
| Clock speed | 400 to 1066 MHz | 1066 to 2133 MHz |
| Latency | Lower than that of DDR4 | Higher than DDR3 |
| Refresh capacity | self-refresh and auto-refresh for the content | Self-refresh |
| Type of memory | Works with ECC memory | Works on multiple devices such as laptops, smartphones, PCs, tablets, etc. |
| Voltage | 1.5 V | 1.2 V |
| Interface | 240 pin interface | 288 pin interface |
| Backward compatibility | Backward compatible | Not backward compatible |
DDR3 or DDR4: Which One Should I Choose?
Given the fact that the DDR4 is not backward compatible, the choice may be fixed. If you have a motherboard that has been designed for DDR3, that is what you would choose. That is solely because the DDR4 RAM is not compatible with the DDR3 slots. Even when you are building a new PC, the choice between the DDR3 And DDR4 RAM will largely be based on the other two components – the motherboard and the CPU.
You would find a few of the CPUs from Intel supporting the DDR4 RAM, and a few others support the DDR3 RAM as yet. DDR4 is the best futureproof option, but there are chances that the DDR3 RAM will continue to be available for a considerable time in the future.
A Few FAQs
Can I Install DDR4 RAM In The DDR3 Slot?
No. You will not be able to install the DDR4 RAM in the DDR3 slot and vice versa. The DDR4 RAM is not compatible with the previous versions of the RAM modules
Is DDR3 better than DDR4?
DDR4 is definitely a better option than the DDR3 RAM. It offers you a better, faster, more reliable replacement for DDR3. Of course, the DDR4 cannot be used if you do not have the motherboard compatibility
Is DDR3 good for gaming?
Yes, DDR3 is still a good option for gaming. The real-world difference between the DDR3 and DDR4 RAM is insignificant when it comes to gaming performance. However, if you are a content creator, it is advisable to go with the DDR4 RAM.
Which type of DDR RAM is the fastest?
The DDR4 RAM is the fastest RAM with 2400 MT/s and faster speeds. The memory is compatible with gamers, professional designers, and enthusiasts.
The Parting Thoughts
The details shared here for the differences between the DDR3 RAM and DDR4 RAM should help you arrive at the best options to choose from among them. The RAM decides the speed and performance of your computer, and choosing the right RAM would make your RAM stand apart from the rest.
